This online component of AGT began in 2010 and spawned 10-year-old singer Jackie Evancho. She had previously unsuccessfully auditioned twice before earning a slot on the show thanks to her operatic YouTube entry. Evancho finished as runner-up that season.

This year, people living in the U.S. have until June 1 to woo producers, who will handpick 20 YouTube acts for a public vote. The top voted performer makes it into the TV show's quarterfinals. Eleven other YouTube acts will compete in a live show in August for places in the semifinals.

Those acts will then face judges Howard Stern, Howie Mandel and Sharon Osbourne, and battle for the $1 million prize against acts that advanced from the early rounds of AGT.

What's Hot

More in Social Media

What's New

What's Rising

What's Hot

Mashable
is a leading source for news, information and resources for the Connected Generation. Mashable reports on the importance of digital innovation and how it empowers and inspires people around the world. Mashable's record 42 million unique visitors worldwide and 21 million social media followers are one of the most influential and engaged online communities. Founded in 2005, Mashable is headquartered in New York City with an office in San Francisco.